WASHINGTON: In a crucial move to avert a government shutdown, the U.S. House of Representatives successfully passed a stop-gap funding bill, as reported by news channel on November 14.
However, the notable absence of additional aid for Ukraine and Israel stirred a heated debate, with 93 Republicans and two Democrats opposing the bill.
To avoid a looming shutdown, the Senate must now approve the bill before Friday, as the plan extends funding until January 19. President Joe Biden has signaled his readiness to sign the House-approved government funding bill if it gains Senate approval.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who introduced the bill on November 11, defended the exclusion of extra funding for Israel and Ukraine. He framed the initiative as positioning the conference for a robust stance on fiscal responsibility, oversight over Ukraine aid, and significant policy changes at the Southern border.
This decision contrasts with President Biden’s earlier request to Congress for approval of a new $106 billion aid package, earmarking over $61 billion for assistance to Ukraine. The omission of this funding in the current proposal has sparked discussions about the government’s priorities.
